Electric cars: is it a good idea?

In 2035, the sale of thermal cars will be banned in Europe. Yet, in 2024, 63% of our journeys are still made with this type of vehicle. The electric car market is booming, with its acquisition even subsidized by the state. But is this alternative truly more beneficial for the environment?

Over its entire lifespan, an electric car running in France has a carbon footprint 2 to 3 times lower than that of a comparable thermal model.

However,

• The production of an electric car is more harmful to the climate due to the battery production, which contains many materials and makes the vehicle very heavy;
• For the electric car to become more advantageous, it is necessary to travel about 30 to 40,000 km (equivalent to 2 to 3 years of use for an average user;
• The greater the battery capacity, the more kilometers need to be covered for the electric option to be more advantageous.

The answer to this question is therefore "yes", provided that a lightweight electric car model is preferred, used for a long period, and equipped with a battery capacity suitable for its use.

But above all: it is crucial to consider our own car needs and see if gentler alternatives could better suit our daily lives. If tomorrow our roads are filled with electric cars with only one passenger, we will have missed the transition. ■

Rebecca Gomez, LCA & Eco-Design Consultant

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Sources:

1. Communiqué de presse, ADEME Presse
2. Les idées reçues sur la voiture électrique, Carbone 4

Photo: Michael Marais, Unsplash.com